Viennese feeling of security: why the citizens hesitate despite falling crime

Viennese feeling of security: why the citizens hesitate despite falling crime

The crime statistics 2023 shows a decline in crimes in Austria, as police crime statistics (PKS) show. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office, the figures that have been registered electronically since 2001 are a basis for the strategic criminal police planning. These statistics cover all incidents reported to the police, but the dark field, i.e. undiscovered and non -reported crimes, is not taken into account. Important factors that influence the number of crime are the display behavior of the population and the intensity of police controls, as can be seen on the website of the Federal Criminal Police Office.

public perception and subjective feeling of security

The subjective feeling of security often deviates from crime statistics. Stefanie J., a policewoman from Vienna, emphasizes in an interview with the "Krone" that the feeling of security and vacancies is impaired in certain districts, such as the 15th. "This means that citizens feel more uncertain, even though the factual figures show a decline," she explains. In addition, she reports of an increase in sex offenses, which in her opinion is no longer due to brutality, but to an increased awareness and a falling number of unreported cases.

The "Together.If Sicher" Initiative is another step to improve communication between the police and the population. This measure, which has existed since 2016, focuses on strengthening the feeling of security through direct dialogue and citizen participation. J. emphasizes that police officers also act as social workers in their work who provide support for social challenges. For more information about the development of crime and the crime police measures, the comprehensive data on the website of the Federal Criminal Police Office can be viewed, as described here.